A late penalty has denied the Socceroos victory over Syria in front of a near-empty stadium in Malaysia.
The Australians took the lead just before half time after Matthew Leckie found a glancing touch from Robbie Kruse.
But as has been the case for the Socceroos the entire World Cup Qualifying process, they were unable to put together a complete performance.
Australia allowed the Syrians to come deep into their half for prolonged periods before they were awarded a highly dubious penalty five minutes from time.
A late penalty has denied the Socceroos victory over Syria in front of a near-empty stadium in Malaysia
With just five minutes remaining Syria were awarded a hugely dubious and controversial penalty after Leckie was judged to have fouled Omar Al Somah challenging for a header
The Socceroos and Syrian national team have played out the first leg of their World Cup Qualifier in front of a near-empty stadium in Malaysia
The two teams met for the first leg of their World Cup Qualifier at a neutral ground as Syria are banned from playing at home for safety reasons due to ongoing war.
The Socceroos dominated for prolonged periods through the first half and were unlucky not to have more than one goal to show for it.
Tommy Juric had a golden chance to double the Australians’ lead early in the second half but struck the post twice in one sequence, including one with an open goal, in another hugely disappointing performance from a player on the hot seat.
With just five minutes remaining Syria were awarded a hugely dubious and controversial penalty after Leckie was judged to have fouled Omar Al Somah challenging for a header, despite the Syrian clearly making the most of the challenge and the Australian with eyes only for the ball.
There was no doubt about the goal as Al Somah smashed the ball past Mat Ryan and into the back of the net.
Ryan was called upon in the final seconds to deny another fizzing effort from the Syrians, before the referee blew time.
The away goal means the Socceroos have the advantage heading in to the deciding second leg in Sydney on Tuesday, but the tie is far from over.
The Australians took the lead just before half time after Matthew Leckie found a glancing touch from Robbie Kruse
The away goal means the Socceroos have the advantage heading in to the deciding second leg in Sydney on Tuesday, but the tie is far from over
The game was marred, however, by the hugely disappointing turnout in Malaysia.
Commentators could be heard laughing at the size of the audience and social media erupted as a sea of vacant seats were visible as the teams walked out and sung the national anthems.
‘A modest crowd you might say inside the stadium,’ the commentator said through chuckles.
Commentators could be heard laughing at the size of the audience and social media erupted as a sea of vacant seats were visible as the teams walked out and sung the national anthems
The game was moved to Malaysia because of safety reasons, but the Syrians would have been hoping for a stronger ‘home ground’ advantage than they were given.
With the war-ravaged nation experiencing the greatest period of footballing success they have ever seen, the turnout was particularly surprising.
A small group of fans could be seen directly opposite the field, but the width of the section barely extended past the centre circle.
A dozen or so Socceroos fans were visible as the camera panned during the Australian national anthem, with the microphones struggling to pickup their singing.
A small group of fans could be seen directly opposite the field, but the width of the section barely extended past the centre circle
Twitter ignited as the players walked into the cavernous arena, with many mocking the terrible turnout
Commentators could be heard laughing at the size of the audience and social media erupted as a sea of vacant seats were visible as the teams walked out and sung the national anthem.
Twitter ignited as the players walked into the cavernous arena, with many mocking the terrible turnout
‘Capacity crowd in Malaysia,’ another joked
Twitter ignited as the players walked into the cavernous arena, with many mocking the terrible turnout.
‘A modest crowd is one way of calling it complete s***,’ one person said.
‘Capacity crowd in Malaysia,’ another joked.
Some picked up on the absence of ball boys, with only linesmen seen patrolling the sidelines.
‘No ball boys in the stadium?’ one fan noted.
If the Socceroos can defeat their minnow rivals as expected, they face a potential showdown with the USA for a spot in the World Cup in Russia next year.
If the Socceroos can defeat their minnow rivals as expected, they face a potential showdown with the USA for a spot in the World Cup in Russia next year